Five people have been arrested following car break-ins and thefts across Geelong and the Surf Coast over the past month.
Detectives from Geelong’s Divisional Response Unit and Crime Investigation Unit swarmed properties across the Greater Geelong region this week during an ongoing operation.
Detectives executed a warrant at a Norlane property on Monday, October 30, after 15 cars were broken into across Torquay, Anglesea, and Ocean Grove between October 19 and 27.
Two Norlane women have been bailed to appear before the Geelong Magistrates Court at a later date following the operation’s arrests.
A 22-year-old was charged with 22 counts of theft from a motor vehicle, two counts of obtaining property by deception, criminal damage and multiple bail offences.
A 28-year-old was charged with 10 offences of aggravated burglary, two counts of motor vehicle theft, dangerous driving, drug possession and multiple bail offences.
With the assistance of Air Wing, police also recovered four stolen vehicles and arrested three men who were arrested and remanded to appear before the Geelong Magistrates Court in November.
A Corio man, 20, was charged with 19 offences with two counts of aggravated burglary, four counts of motor vehicle theft, driving disqualified and in a dangerous manner, and multiple bail offences.
A 29-year-old Corio man was charged with nine offences, including aggravated burglary, two counts of theft of motor vehicle and multiple bail offences.
Detectives also executed a search warrant at a Lara address, where they recovered a camper trailer and a black Ford Ranger, allegedly stolen earlier this year.
A 40-year-old Lara man was arrested and charged with theft of motor vehicle. He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court today.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Gavin Mullins said police maintained a “zero-tolerance approach” towards people looking to commit a crime.
“We are fully aware that stolen vehicles often lead to further criminal activities, which have absolutely no place in our community,” he said.
“While police are doing everything possible, we urge the community to ensure they secure their property and vehicles at all times.
“Police will continue to relentlessly target criminal behaviour in our community and ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.”
Police also allege that two motor vehicles were stolen during an aggravated burglary in Newtown on Wednesday, November 1, in a separate incident.
